Lead-Free Cylinder Heads

[rustynuts]

I had the valve seats on the heads of my 327 redone last year and was wondering if the head on my BN1 needs to be done?

 

[zblu]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

Its only the valve guides need replacing!, a few $'s, but the labor cost to do it!

 

[vette]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

Hello Rusty, many years ago (about 18 to 20) I was concerned with the same question for my Corvette engine. After reading many articles and listening to many opinions it was the general concenses that lead free gasoline would need about 50,000 miles at least to damage valves and valve seats in an engine which was designed for leaded gasoline. this was confirmed thru then current test in some respected motor magazines. The general feeling was that many collector cars would never see an additional 50k on the odometer. So I like many elected to not change my valves and seats. As it would yeld no benefit to our motoring. Now 20 years later my Corvette engine has never been torn down and still lights the tires up at will. I have put about 35,000 miles on it in the last 20years. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[Louie]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

If it works, don't fix it.
Many of these normally simple jobs can take the cars off the road for a LONG time !

 

[Editor_Reid]

I have heard from several reliable sources that such work is unnecessary unless you're planning to use it for competition or for lots and lots of miles, such as a vintage race car that you also use as your daily grocery-getter. Of course opinions may differ, and several mechanics, working at $XX per hour, may strongly recommend that you employ them to perform this job...

 

[Keoke]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

[ QUOTE ]
Its only the valve guides need replacing!, a few $'s, but the labor cost to do it!

[/ QUOTE ]

HI ZBLU,the valve guides do not have to be changed as part of a non leaded head conversion if they are it is the owners choice. The pricipal components effected if any are the valves themselves and their seats.---Fwiw---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[rustynuts]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

I basically heard the same thing when I did the 327. It has 461 heads and I have kept the car as it would have been built ( which it was) in the 70's. The seats and valves in the 283 that was in the car when I bought it where screwed so the decission to rebuild was not an option. Glad I did .
What year of vette do you have?

 

[vette]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

Rusty, I have a 1970 Corvette. It's a 350/350hp, completely original with the hydralic cam. Just one step up from the base engine, but it is one of the last of the non-emissioned engines. I've had this e-mail address and internet handle for probably 12 years or better. Couldn't bring myself to change it just because I bought a Healey a few years ago. The Healey was a car that I've wanted for 35 years or more. The way I see it, I've got the best of both worlds now, American power, and British touring.

 

[zblu]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

Was told the guides needed changing to a diff composition due to the lack of lead in the fuel needed to act as a lube Keoke, havent done the changeout myself, just put some avgas in now and again!

 

[GregW]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

I’ve heard that the lead lubricated the valve to seat surface. The fear was without it, the seats would wear away and the valve would recede into the head over time.

 

[Keoke]

Re: leadfree cylinder heads

Yep Greg, you heard right---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif